From Torquay Coffee Runs to 12-Month Road Trips
G'day adventurers! Sometimes the best stories come from the most unexpected places – like a coffee shop in Torquay where two soon-to-be nomads spotted our groovy collar colours and decided to give them a go.
Meet Ryan and Sar from Hobart, Tasmania, who are currently living the dream on a 12-month road trip around Australia with their two gorgeous pups, Nell (a 6-year-old staffy cross) and Lenny (a 2-year-old Koolie x Kelpie x Collie mix). Their story perfectly captures what we're all about: genuine adventures, sustainable gear, and dogs who absolutely love getting wet.
The Coffee Shop Discovery
It all started at The Salty Dog Cafe in Torquay a couple of years back. Ryan and Sar were catching up with mates over coffee when they noticed our collars' eye-catching colours. With just Nell in tow at the time, they grabbed their first Wet Dog collar. When little Lenny joined the pack, they expanded their collection with another collar and lead – even sending one back home to Ryan's parents' dog, Basil. Now that's what we call spreading the adventure love!
Why Waterproof Matters on the Road
Here's where our gear really shines. As Ryan and Sar discovered, having waterproof collars is a game-changer when your pups are ocean-obsessed. "The collars are great as they are waterproof – this means the dogs don't have soaking wet collars for hours after a swim," they explain.
On their epic road trip, Nell and Lenny can be in and out of the water multiple times a day without that soggy, smelly collar situation we all know too well. The collars stay clean longer and don't develop that distinctive wet dog collar aroma – a blessing when you're living in close quarters in a troopy!
Hidden Gems and Epic Adventures
These legends have uncovered some absolute pearls during their travels. Lancelin Sand Dunes in Western Australia became an instant favourite – imagine having almost the entire place to yourselves while your pups zoom up and down sand dunes until they're happily exhausted. Sounds like paradise, right?
Their hidden gem recommendation? Lucky Bay near Kalbarri in Western Australia. Picture this: beachfront camping with endless sand dunes, dog-friendly vibes, and winter weather that's perfect for both human and canine adventures – warm enough for swimming but cool enough to keep the pups comfortable.
Pro tip from Ryan and Sar: They use Wiki Camps to find dog-friendly campsites and nearby ovals for off-leash adventures. Clever!
The Personalities Behind the Adventure
Every great adventure story needs character, and Nell and Lenny deliver in spades:
Nell's quirky habit? She's absolutely obsessed with licking Ryan's bald head – whether they're chilling on the couch at home or cruising through the Australian Outback. Sweet and slightly bizarre, just how we like our adventure stories!
Lenny's defining trait? He's a proper velcro pup who doesn't leave their side. From morning snuggles in his 'den' (under the blankets between Ryan and Sar) to acting as unofficial co-pilot with his head on someone's shoulder, this little mate is all about the cuddles.
Epic Mishaps and Fishy Business
No adventure is complete without a few memorable mishaps. Picture this scene at Lucky Bay: Ryan's out there trying his luck at beach fishing while fish are literally jumping out of the water metres away (the irony wasn't lost on anyone). Lenny, ever the optimist, decided he could do better and jumped straight into the ocean to swim out and fetch his own dinner. With some coaxing, they managed to get him back to shore, though he wasn't too pleased about returning empty-pawed!
Then there's the morning they were set to start their 12-month journey. Camping in a friend's yard, they woke to their troopy rocking side to side. The mystery was solved when they looked through the windscreen to find Nell standing proudly on the bonnet, staring back at them as if to say, "I'm ready to go – why are you guys still in bed?"
Values That Align
What we love most about Ryan and Sar's story is how it reflects the values at the heart of Wet Dog and Co. They chose our eco-friendly collars because sustainability matters to them – it's not just about having gear that works, it's about making choices that align with caring for the environment their pups will inherit.
Want to read more genuine adventure stories from our pack? Head over to our Journal where we share the real tales from dog parents who've discovered that the best adventures happen when you've got the right gear and the right attitude. They're the honest, sometimes hilarious, always heartwarming stories of Aussie adventurers and their four-legged mates.
Ready to start your own adventure story? Check out our range of sustainable, adventure-ready gear made from recycled materials. Because every great adventure starts with taking that first step outside.
